Christina Giesbrecht

How long have you been involved with Special Olympics?

I have been involved with Special Olympics for 13 years.

How were you first introduced to the movement and what got you hooked?

When I changed teaching positions to a life skills classroom at the high school, I was asked if I would coach for the Special O snowshoe program. I agreed and have not looked back since. Watching our athletes cheer other athletes on and celebrating their successes instead of only focusing on themselves like I have seen in generic sports, brought me to tears when I watched several athletes return to the field of play to encourage a struggling athlete as they completed their last lap. True sportsmanship!

How has being involved with Special Olympics impacted your life?

Being involved with Special Olympics has filled my bucket over and over again.

What is your favourite part about your role on the team?

My favourite part about being an assistant coach on Team Canada is building relationships that will last a lifetime, with other coaches and athletes from across Canada, and to be able to celebrate with our athletes as they achieve their own goals.

What is your proudest moment with Special Olympics?

My proudest moment with Special Olympics has been seeing an athlete I was coaching, cross the finish line with his arms raised high. Even though he was not one of the forerunners, his pride in his accomplishment was heart warming. He had done his best, which was all I had asked, and he knew it.

What does being a part of Special Olympics Team Canada mean to you and what is your goal for Turin?

Being part of Special Olympics Team Canada is an honour. It means being a part of the journey for our athletes who are striving for world recognition. It means building lasting friendships with fellow coaches and a lasting bond with the athletes.

What unique skills or experiences do you bring to your role as a coach, mission staff or team leadership and what drives you to support and inspire the athletes every day?

Being a teacher with 37 years experience, I have learned many strategies when working with students of all abilities. My soft spot was always for the ones who were struggling.

What would you say to someone who is considering volunteering with Special Olympics?

Just do it! You will never regret it! Volunteering with Special Olympics is life altering, you will never look back.